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Entertainment In StyleThu, 13 Apr 2017 21:17:24 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.7NBA: No Betting Advantageshttps://knockoutmag.com/14494/gambling/nba-no-betting-advantages/
Thu, 13 Apr 2017 21:16:37 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14494There are only a few certainties every year in pro sports: the Patriots will dominate; the Browns will suck, and Skip Bayless will be wrong about everything. When it comes to betting on sports though, the certainties seem even fewer and farther between. The common belief is that there is no such thing as a […]]]>

There are only a few certainties every year in pro sports: the Patriots will dominate; the Browns will suck, and Skip Bayless will be wrong about everything. When it comes to betting on sports though, the certainties seem even fewer and farther between. The common belief is that there is no such thing as a lock. Is this the truth or just a myth?

The month of April is already two weeks old, which means the NBA postseason is only days away. Sports gamblers everywhere are looking to out-smart each other this time of the year. Instead of betting on favorites, fans often look for the diamonds in the rough with favorable odds. The 3rd seed in the east, Toronto has a lot of playoff experience. When healthy, the 4th seeded Clippers have one of the best lineups in the league. When you have these thoughts, the truth is, you are actually out-smarting yourself when it comes to the NBA.

While the NFL is known for its parity, the opposite is true for the NBA. All your peers are likely placing money on the top-seeded Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors for good reason. There are rarely, if ever, Cinderella stories in pro basketball. And, the numbers paint a grim picture for the gambler looking for a big pay out, betting on a low seed.

Dating back to the 2013 season, only number one seeds have captured an NBA title. This is hardly a new phenomenon, though. One seeds have won seven of the past nine NBA championships as well. Want further prove of the top team’s domination? Since 1947, 73% of NBA champions entered the playoffs as a one seed. 73%! Translation: betting on the top seeds in the eastern and western conferences aren’t only the smart plays, they are the only plays.

Russian Roulette is thought of as the most favorable casino game in the odds department. If you are willing to play a game that you win 50% of the time, then why not roll the dice on a 73% winner?

Of course, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers can throw a giant wrench into everyone’s predictions. And, you can never count out James Harden and the Houston Rockets. But, is the goal to out-smart others or to make bank? If you want to collect cash and look like a genius at the same time, then drop big dollars on the top-seeded Celtics and Warriors.

]]>Is Tony Romo A Hall Of Famer?https://knockoutmag.com/14477/gambling/is-tony-romo-a-hall-of-famer/
Thu, 13 Apr 2017 16:13:08 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14477As the Tony Romo retirement tour comes to an end, football fans will likely ponder the gunslinger’s place in history. The 36-year-old wrapped up his ceremonial evening with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, and will now head to the broadcast booth with CBS. But, will his journey include a trip to Canton and the Pro […]]]>

As the Tony Romo retirement tour comes to an end, football fans will likely ponder the gunslinger’s place in history. The 36-year-old wrapped up his ceremonial evening with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, and will now head to the broadcast booth with CBS. But, will his journey include a trip to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

If Romo’s career is truly over, then his name may become synonymous with Dan Marino as some of the greatest QBs to never win a title. Romo can only hope to reside next to Marino’s bust in Canton, though. Does the longtime Cowboy really belong with the NFL’s all-time greats when all is said and done?

The Case For Romo

Hall of Fame voters will first look at his career stats. The numbers do paint a pretty picture for Romo. Statistics are the best weapon Romo possesses in his arsenal, as he gears up for nomination, because they cannot be debated. He retires ranked 29th in all-time passing yards. His 34,183 total yards put him above notable names like Steve Young, Kurt Warner, and another former Cowboy, Troy Aikman. One more decent season could have easily put Romo in the top-20 all-time. He’s just outside the top-20 in TD passes as well, throwing 248 total in his eleven seasons. The former undrafted free agent’s 78 victories and .614 winning percentage, also put him in elite company.

Romo ranks as the 4th best quarterback to ever play the game, in terms of passer rating (97.1). His rating is even higher than future hall of famers, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. Dallas sports writers negotiating Romo’s candidacy will almost assuredly cite these stats to strengthen the passer’s case for the Hall of Fame.

The Case Against Romo

Given the numbers presented previously, it must be noted that Romo put up hefty stats during a pass-heavy era in the NFL. His total passing yards are impressive, until you realize mediocre QBs like Kerry Collins, Jim Everett, and Matt Hasselbeck all boast better numbers.

Of course, the most substantial case against Romo will be made about his postseason performance. Romo has a career record of 2-4 in the playoffs, with zero trips to a Super Bowl or even an NFC Championship Game. While the AFC has been dominated by Manning and Tom Brady in the 21st century, the NFC has been wide open. Since 2001, the NFC has sent 12 different teams to the Super Bowl. Yet, Romo and the Cowboys never got a sniff of it. Instead of reciting his 93.0 passer rating in the postseason, Romo will be remembered for his infamous snafu on a potential game-winning field goal against the Seahawks in 2007, a play which came to symbolize his career.

If Romo was to suit up for one more season with, say, the Houston Texans or Denver Broncos, and win a Super Bowl, there would be no debate. His career stats paired with a championship, would undoubtedly make him Canton-worthy. Unfortunately, in the end, Romo’s HOF candidacy may be reminiscent of that play in Seattle he’s most known for; close, but no cigar.

]]>Here For The Beer: 10 Pubs To Add To Your Bucket Listhttps://knockoutmag.com/14213/travel/here-for-the-beer-10-pubs-to-add-to-your-bucket-list/
Wed, 12 Apr 2017 00:10:46 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14213If your dream is to travel the world, then you have probably been given advice on all the sights you should see. While that’s all fine and dandy, we’re here to tell you about what really matters: beer. We have compiled a list of the top 10 pubs you need to add to your bucket […]]]>

If your dream is to travel the world, then you have probably been given advice on all the sights you should see. While that’s all fine and dandy, we’re here to tell you about what really matters: beer. We have compiled a list of the top 10 pubs you need to add to your bucket list.

The Pot Still, Glasgow

In Scotland, you have your pick of pubs. All of them may be beautiful, but The Pot Still stands out from the rest. Not only will you have an absolute blast complete with great beer, but it also has one of the best whiskey selections you will find anywhere. Who doesn’t love a good whiskey?

The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

These days, The Old Inn is known more as a fancy hotel rather than a pub, but it’s still worth stopping by to enjoy the beautiful décor. The inn is located on one of Ireland’s ancient highways and portions of the building itself are still standing strong from 1614 (if only walls could talk).

Rose & Crown, Snettisham

This pub sits right next to the breathtaking Norfolk coast. The view may be great, but the food is just as good. The 14th-century vibe is a nice touch as well.

Horse & Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill

This quaint little pub recently earned the well-deserved title of the Good Pub Guide’s Pub of the Year 2016. The food and drink inside this Georgian building are delightful, and the countryside views will blow you away.

The Spaniards, London

With a plethora of pubs to choose from in London, do yourself a favor and check out The Spaniards. It’s not centrally located, but it’s well worth the journey. Dickens, Byron, Dick Turpin, and Karl Marx are all rumored to have stopped in once or twice, so it’s clearly the place to be for visionaries like yourself.

The Cock, Hemingford Grey

Beer is always good at this pub, but the food here is what everyone’s talking about. The restaurant serves up British fine dining that is sure to satisfy. Not surprisingly, a place called The Cock, serves up sausage. In fact, they have over 100 kinds of sausages to choose from!

Clachaig Inn, Glencoe

The Clachaig Inn is a 300-year-old beauty in the Scottish Highlands. It has an excellent beer and whiskey selection, as well as rooms you can book for when you have a few too many. Toss back a couple cold ones and wake up to breathtaking scenery. And, we’re not just talking about the stunning whiskey selection!

Old White Swan, York

Almost every pub in York is amazing. However, the Old White Swan has a great selection of ales and spectacular food. All of this within a cozy little setting, and you have the perfect pub.

The Pandora, Falmouth

This 13th-century inn sits right on the edge of the Restronguet Creek. At the pub, you can enjoy a cold pint while watching the boats go by. If you stay until dinnertime, then you can order up a nice meal as well.

BrewBot, Belfast

Here is all you need to know about this craft beer bar – you can actually control a robot with a smartphone app and brew your own beer. Where has this been all our lives?!

Now when you’re out exploring the world, you know where all of the most important stops are. When visiting these extraordinary pubs, be sure to have a pint for us. Cheers!

]]>Get Over Your Ex With This New App!https://knockoutmag.com/14230/sex-dating/get-over-your-ex-with-this-new-app/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 22:15:13 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14230The best way to get over an ex is to get under someone else or behind a bottle of rum, right? Wrong! While this feels like a momentary victory, in the end, it always makes things worse. Since every breakup is different, there is never a real answer to getting over someone you love (or […]]]>

The best way to get over an ex is to get under someone else or behind a bottle of rum, right? Wrong! While this feels like a momentary victory, in the end, it always makes things worse. Since every breakup is different, there is never a real answer to getting over someone you love (or now hate), when the relationship comes to a close. The makers of Mend, a new app designed to help you get over your ex, are aware of the trials and tribulations of breakups, so they’re here with a solution (Finally!).

Mend is like your own free “personal trainer” to talk you off the ledge and keep you in check after a terrible breakup. Ellen Huerta, the creator of Mend, designed the app to use journalism, original content, and progress-tracking throughout the whole ordeal so you can actually keep tabs on yourself while you climb out of the pit of despair.

All you have to do is download the app and enter your breakup date and why it came to an end (no Steve, it was not mutual). It doesn’t stop there! You will also confess the last time you talked to your ex or contacted them in any way. Mend comes complete with a personal assistant, Elle, who will sweetly guide you through your first session and let you know that you’re not alone with your creepy Facebook stalking and urges to send drunk texts. Actually, it’s completely normal.

The “28-Day Heartbreak Cleanse” will also come in handy by helping you heal faster. Through the rest of the sessions, you are given daily audio clips for motivation, and have full access to a 24/7 support line so you don’t call your ex instead.

Mend even goes one step further by asking you to check in periodically to track your healthy choices. This could be anything from exercise to surrounding yourself with good friends.
Huerta has made it very clear that anyone who feels they should seek clinical therapy, should do so because Mend is not a replacement for professional help.

Thanks to this app, you can be back on the field in no time, meeting hot single ladies as a new, confident version of yourself instead of wallowing in heartbreak. Enough with the drunk texts, it’s time to take your love life back with Mend!

Just try not to go all Joaquin Phoenix in Her on us and fall in love with Elle. Spoiler alert: dating the app is not an option.

]]>These Are The Best French Fries America Has To Offerhttps://knockoutmag.com/14264/food-drink/these-are-the-best-french-fries-america-has-to-offer/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 22:10:07 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14264Nothing satisfies a food craving quite like a huge pile of French fries. The crispy, salty morsels from heaven are pretty much the only comfort food anyone needs. You’re going to love us once we tell you where to get the best fries in America. Here’s our list! Breslin Bar & Dining Room in New […]]]>

Nothing satisfies a food craving quite like a huge pile of French fries. The crispy, salty morsels from heaven are pretty much the only comfort food anyone needs. You’re going to love us once we tell you where to get the best fries in America. Here’s our list!

Breslin Bar & Dining Room in New York, NY

The science behind a perfect French fry consists of a crispy outside with a tender inside. Super chef, April Bloomfield has unlocked this secret by taking long russet potatoes and boiling them before deep frying them twice (what is this witchcraft?). This leads to a soft, creamy center with a delightfully crunchy shell, topped with sea salt.

Republique in Los Angeles, Calif.

République is known for their kimchi fried rice, decadent pastries, and amazing charcuterie. Even so, nothing has caused as much of a stir as their French fries. Fried in peanut oil, these spuds come served in your own special little cone. Sharing not required.

Cafe Presse in Seattle, Wash.

This Seattle bistro offers many renditions of favorite French classics. Many of these dishes include delicious, crispy skin-on French fries, which are fried twice. The French wouldn’t have it any other way.

Park Tavern in San Francisco, Calif.

These are fries for those who crave a more interesting taste. These fancy fries are even Instagram-famous! Seasoned with select herbs, as well as Himalayan sea salt, these tasty morsels are served with a soft-boiled egg topped with caviar and a truffle-infused aioli. It may sound strange, but don’t knock it until you try it.

Balthazar in New York, NY

The preparation of these fries may as well be an art in itself. The potatoes are peeled and then cut using a hand-cranked slicer, soaked in water overnight, blanched in peanut oil, and then fried to perfection. Afterwards, a light dusting of French sea salt adds the finishing touch.

Saus in Boston, Mass.

This little tavern comes complete with a full list of comfort foods, that are sure to make you feel right at home. The restaurant stays true to its name by serving its fries with a variety of interesting, creatively named sauces, such as Vampire Slayer, Pindasaus, Bacon Parm, and many more!

Buldogis Gourmet Hot Dogs in Las Vegas, Nev.

The hot dog hot-spot specializes in bulgogi, also known as a Korean-style beef or pork. This pork ends up in a heaping pile on top of a bun, accompanied by Asian slaw, diced jalapeños, chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Other than that (which sounds epic), they serve also offer some amazing loaded fries.

LoKal in Miami, Fla.

LoKal pairs its famous burgers and sandwiches with an impressive side dish. Can you imagine sweet potato fries that are both sweet and salty, while remaining crispy and tender all at once? Probably just in your dreams until now, thanks to Lokal!

Spruce in San Francisco, Calif.

Many critics have given their approval and declared these the best fries in the city. The secret is most likely in the duck fat that they’re fried in. They stay crisp around the edges, but the inside is tender and moist while maintaining a perfect balance between sweet and salty.

Manhattan Beach Post in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Fee Fi Fo Fum fries are one of the most popular items at Manhattan Beach Post, and it’s understandable. They are gigantic, extremely addictive, and they come with a special “fry sauce,” made up of mayo, chopped pickles and random spices.

Whether you like them crispy, soft or doused with toppings, you can never go wrong with a stack of French fries!

]]>Tech Toys Every Guy Needs To Havehttps://knockoutmag.com/14292/gear-style/tech-toys-every-guy-needs-to-have/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 21:38:00 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14292Whether you prefer indoor activities or outdoor excursions, innovations in cool, new gear and technology, are all around us. No matter your interests, we think at least one of these amazing picks will appeal to you. Traeger Timberline Grill Imagine you’re sitting on the couch. Immersed in the game, you have hankering for a nice […]]]>

Whether you prefer indoor activities or outdoor excursions, innovations in cool, new gear and technology, are all around us. No matter your interests, we think at least one of these amazing picks will appeal to you.

Traeger Timberline Grill

Imagine you’re sitting on the couch. Immersed in the game, you have hankering for a nice cold one, but you don’t want to get up to grab your beer. What a pain! Why can’t the bottle just magically appear in your hand? Well, what if there was a grill, equally pivotal during game time, that you could control from the couch? Using an approach called “smoke science”, the Trager Timberline Grill ensures that a consistent temperature is maintained underneath an airtight lid. You can monitor progress from your phone, using the WiFire app, while remaining on the couch! You need this.

PowerRay Underwater Drone

The PowerRay is an underwater robot that will help locate and lure your big catch, while you enjoy your next fishing trip. Developed by PowerVision, this drone will be able to dive 98 feet underwater and use a sonar component to detect fish. Cameras will allow you see what the drone sees, beaming both video and images to your phone. And, once you spot your prey, a special blue light will activate to attract fish. Then, a remote-controlled bait dropper will guide the fish right to your hook. It’s basically cheating, but sign me up!

Frame TV

When the boob tube isn’t on, you’re left with a big, boring black rectangle, taking up space on your wall or entertainment center. Thanks to the innovators at Samsung, that will no longer be the case, as they’ve designed a television that can double as a piece of art. The aptly named Frame TV, goes into “art mode” when you turn it off. The bezel (the actual frame of the TV) acts as a picture frame. It is also interchangeable, so you can choose a color that matches your décor, or whatever artwork is currently displayed. You get to choose the art from a cache of over 100 works. With pictures ranging from architecture, to travel, to wildlife, you’ll be able to find a beautiful piece to suit your every mood.

Gear IconX

One of the most annoying things when you’re working out, is the wire from your headphones bouncing all over the place. Thankfully, there’s a great solution: wireless ear buds. This isn’t an entirely new concept, but with advancing technology, they’re getting better and better. The Gear IconX earbuds are the latest and greatest on the scene. These beauties come in a charging case that tops out the battery two times over, which will give you about three hours of musical gratification. The IconX buds will be released later this year at a cost of $199. And, if you’re as annoyed with headphone cords as we are, the price is well worth it.

]]>Five Uphill Battles Facing Entrepreneurshttps://knockoutmag.com/14444/lifestyle/five-uphill-battles-facing-entrepreneurs/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 21:28:49 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14444Starting your own business can be exciting, stressful, and risky. We wish you all the best! But, you need to know some of the hazards that could come from this venture. Show Me the Money Even the best plans can encounter roadblocks, or fall into irreparable sinkholes. A common cause? Cash-flow. Or, lack thereof. Even […]]]>

Starting your own business can be exciting, stressful, and risky. We wish you all the best! But, you need to know some of the hazards that could come from this venture.

Show Me the Money

Even the best plans can encounter roadblocks, or fall into irreparable sinkholes. A common cause? Cash-flow. Or, lack thereof. Even though you may have planned down to the smallest detail where your money will go, whether it’s employees, products, or investments, be prepared for the fact that issues will come up that you can’t control. Make sure to strategize, but be on your guard. It will not be smooth sailing. Be mentally prepared for this. It will soften the blow and help you stay calm and focused.

So Long, Partner

Ouch. This one hurts. You and your buddy have been outlining this new venture for months, maybe years. You’ve both invested more time and money than you care to admit. But, life happens. Perhaps, after opening the doors to your new business, things don’t go as well as planned, or tempers flare. Any number of issues can lead to someone you planned on working with, abandoning ship. If you’re the perpetual optimist, you’ll see this as a good thing and grab the bull by the horns, and still kill it solo. But, don’t go into this blindly, thinking you and your original partner(s) will live happily ever after.

Mr. Lonely

At some point, you are going to feel very alone. So, iron-clad those balls, because the road ahead isn’t an easy one. Most individuals who start their own professional ventures, tend to be introverts, who actually function better in solitude. But, you do have to interact, rely on, and partner with others eventually. You are the captain behind this ship. No one else may ‘get’ the vision you have. You’ll be the face of the company, work long hours, and have to sell your ideas, products, and services. That’s a lot of pressure.

Client Exodus

It’s always amazing when you have a good connection with another person. Especially, when it’s a client who thinks like you and with whom you share a mutual respect. New entrepreneurs have a tendency to cling prematurely to some clients who show strong initial interest, or provide major revenue. Please, future magnates, know that in this world, it’s every man for himself. A client, whom you thought was a sure thing, and would never leave you high and dry…just might.

Workplace Burnout

Some of the other issues have been quantifiable, based on money or goods, but what you may not be counting on, is that you may encounter an issue that is more mental and emotional. You’re exhausted. You’ve put so much of yourself into this, when things go wrong, income plummets, or whatever myriad issues arise, make sure to keep your chin up! You started this business from scratch. It’s your vision, determination and personal investment that has brought it to fruition. Things will get better. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or frustrated, it’s time for a break.

Working for ‘the man’ sucks, so you’re ready to be the man. Just beware of these would-be stumbling blocks, and you’ll be on your way to an amazing future.

]]>“Phone-icating” One App At A Timehttps://knockoutmag.com/14416/sex-dating/phone-icating-one-app-at-a-time/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 17:58:10 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14416Phones can pretty much do it all nowadays. Activate home alarm systems, check your heart rate, calculate your BAC, translate foreign text into English —the list goes on and on. It’s ridiculous how many things your phone can do, right? And now, ladies of the world can rejoice, because a new interactive app guarantees to […]]]>

Phones can pretty much do it all nowadays. Activate home alarm systems, check your heart rate, calculate your BAC, translate foreign text into English —the list goes on and on. It’s ridiculous how many things your phone can do, right? And now, ladies of the world can rejoice, because a new interactive app guarantees to get them off. Yes, you read that correctly.

The app is called O-Cast, created by the webcam platform CamSoda. And, even though the app itself is free, it requires a corresponding vibrator, the Lovense “Lush” Bluetooth vibrator, which costs roughly $100. By using your tongue—yes, we said tongue (we can discuss the grossness of that later) or your finger (that’s better), you get sixty seconds to tap, swipe, and swirl all over the screen of your phone, creating all the things you would do to her box, if you could.

She then takes that special vibrator, selects the “program” you just recorded (you can even name it), and she’ll get to experience all the tapping and swirling that you recorded. Don’t want your chick cheating on you when you’re on that business trip? This might not be a bad idea.

The app has pre-recorded “sessions” as well, if you need ideas, or want to experience other people’s prowess. Porn stars have even recorded selections, if your girl wants to know what it’s like to be pleasured by a real pro. Like we said, the app is free, but to download a recording costs 99 cents, and of course, that $100 vibrator.

]]>There Will Be Blood (Injected Into Your Penis)https://knockoutmag.com/14429/sex-dating/there-will-be-blood-injected-into-your-penis/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 17:48:38 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14429Chicks can say “size doesn’t matter” all they want, but we all know that’s bulls***. Every time you drop your drawers for some lucky woman, she makes a snap judgement the second she sees what you’re packing. You may have wowed her with your tongue and fingers already, but once your drawers drop, if you’re […]]]>

Chicks can say “size doesn’t matter” all they want, but we all know that’s bulls***. Every time you drop your drawers for some lucky woman, she makes a snap judgement the second she sees what you’re packing. You may have wowed her with your tongue and fingers already, but once your drawers drop, if you’re less than well-endowed, all that prep work goes out the window. It’s not your fault, really. You were born with this body and all its subsequent parts. (And don’t lie, you made a snap judgement about her tits the first time you saw them, so it goes both ways).

So, for those of you out there who need a little help in the enlarging department, listen up! Many options exist. From penis pumps (yes, Austin Powers’ Swedish-made penis enlarger is a real thing), to rubber silicone insertions, to prosthetic implants, if you’re willing to put in the time and money, that crank can go from puny to powerful in no time at all.

One method gaining popularity, and this might sound a little gross, is to inject your penis with your own blood. This is done to gain a little extra length, and approximately 1.5 inches in circumference. Here’s how it works: your own blood is drawn, concentrating the platelets, and then the platelet-rich plasma is injected back into your member.

A simple 20-minute procedure could give you some of the best 20-minute ‘sessions’ of your life. And honestly, if women can infuse fat from their asses into their cheeks and lips, then inserting blood doesn’t seem that bad. Now, with any medical procedure, there are risks and repercussions, so look into this before running to the nearest clinic, syringe in hand.

Also, like lip injections, this won’t last forever, but it’ll give you a good run. It’s recommended that you give your little (now big) man some time to heal after the procedure (about two days), but after that, you’re free to unleash the fury! Your next conquest never needs to know that the amazing handful she just grabbed onto was boosted by medical means—and your own blood.

]]>Easter Cooking For Dummieshttps://knockoutmag.com/14385/food-drink/easter-cooking-for-dummies/
Tue, 11 Apr 2017 17:39:35 +0000http://knockoutmag.com/?p=14385So, you’re hosting Easter dinner at your bachelor pad. Now what? You don’t typically cook for a group of people, and in most cases, you probably don’t cook in general. Well, we’re about to make your life a whole lot easier with these simple dishes that will make you look like a seasoned, gourmet chef. […]]]>

So, you’re hosting Easter dinner at your bachelor pad. Now what? You don’t typically cook for a group of people, and in most cases, you probably don’t cook in general. Well, we’re about to make your life a whole lot easier with these simple dishes that will make you look like a seasoned, gourmet chef.

Appetizers

Veggie Tray
This is simple and easy, and it gives the group something to snack on while they visit with each other. Just wash and slice some veggies, and lay them out on a tray with a side of ranch. Easy enough!

Deviled Eggs
These are usually a fun holiday treat, and so much easier to make than you would think. Hard boil some eggs beforehand, then peel and slice them in half. Scoop out the yolk and place it all in a big mixing bowl. Now, you have the option to mix with mayo or mustard, and any spices you would like to add for flavor. Take a Ziploc bag and cut off a tiny bit of the corner. Fill the bag with the mix and squeeze it into the empty eggs. Deviled eggs tend to disappear quickly, so be sure to make extras!

Main Course

Maple Glazed Ham
If you don’t own a crock-pot, then it’s time to add one to your kitchen collection. The best part of this recipe is that it basically prepares itself.

All you need is a 7-8lb ham, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of maple syrup, and 2 cups of water. Rub the ham with brown sugar and place it in the crock-pot before pouring in the syrup and the water. After that, you’re free and clear for the next 4 hours (time to booze it up with your guests). All you must do is baste the ham with the juices an hour or so before serving.

Side Dishes

Oven Roasted Garlic Green Beans
This is taking a standard, easy side dish and dressing it up with more flavor. You need a pound of frozen green beans, olive oil, salt, pepper, and some onion and garlic powder.

Add all the ingredients into a bowl and toss it before spreading the green beans on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then stir and bake for another 15 (30 minutes total cooking time).

Melt the butter in a skillet, then add the potatoes. Sprinkle your seasonings on top and continue turning the potatoes until they are tender (usually about 20 minutes). Once the potatoes are ready, add the cheese on top.

Dessert

Chocolate Mousse
It sounds way more complicated than it actually is. You only need two ingredients for this; heavy whipping cream and Jell-O instant pudding.

Follow the directions on the package for the pudding, but use the heavy whipping cream in place of milk. Use a hand mixer to blend everything together before placing it in the fridge for a few minutes. Once it’s thickened up in the fridge, use the mixer one more time until it reaches a fluffy consistency.

Now, you can relax knowing that dinner will go smoothly. But, if you’re still uneasy about your cooking ability, remember, you can always spike that juice a little extra to calm the critics.